Jason Brewer, Director

Being a well-rounded, seasoned, student- centered credentialed Higher Education and Administration Management Professional who has diversified experience developing and executing student affairs and academic programs with a vision for success, Jason has built cutting-edge programs in the areas of academic success, student activities, student leadership, recruitment, multicultural affairs, Greek Life, Student Retention, and Student Giving. A  passionate and energetic leader with strong organizational skills and a diverse background encompassing establishment of institutional collaboration, strategic planning, external relationships, fundraising, budget control and a strong foundation of integrity, vision, and innovative leadership. He has had substantial influence in the areas of administrative, technology, and budget practices which has produced effective planning and execution. He continues to research and apply best practices in the field of retention and recruitment.  He is committed and excited about enriching the lives of students through the art of discovery, intellectual growth and providing and creating viable learning experiences.

Wanda French, Program Manager

Wanda joined The Center for First Year Experience and Learning Communities in 2009.  Wanda oversees the business functions of the Center and the development and maintenance of learning communities.

Wanda is a native of Cincinnati region attending The Cincinnati Public Schools system and is currently seeking a master degree from the University of Cincinnati’s MALER program.

Pat Runtz, Executive Staff Assistant

Pat has recently joined the staff of First Year Experience & Learning Communities in the Business Center.  She brings with her extensive experience in human resources and business administration.  Pat has performed a broad range of HR and financial responsibilities, having over 25 years of experience with the UC network.  Pat is excited about her new position and looking forward to the challenges of working directly with the students.

Emily Bing Han, Engineering Graduate Assistant

Emily is a second year graduate student in the College of Engineering and Applied Science, majoring in Materials Science. She also works in Dr. Boerio's research group. Emily got her B.S. degree from Fudan University, Shanghai, China. This is her first year with the program. Emily believes learning communitues provide first-year students with a great start to their collegiate career. She is excited and willing to help Peer Leader Captains, Peer Leaders and freshmen with their work.

Renee Bell, Graduate Assistant

Renee is in her second and final year earning her Masters of Education in School Counseling here at UC. She graduated in 2011 from Anderson University with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. During her time at Anderson she was involved in programs working to develop leadership in first year students, and served as a live-in mentor for freshmen women. She is looking forward to being a part of the Center for First Year Experience and having a chance to work to enhance the academic and social experiences of first year students on this campus. Renee lives in Cincinnati with her husband (Alex, a PhD student in Biomedical Engineering), and their Great Dane puppy (Cupcake).

Bee Nash, Graduate Assistant

Bee received her BA degrees in Psychology and Child development, with a minor in human sexuality from California Sate University Northridge (CSUN). Bee is a fourth year doctoral student in the Department of Psychology, where she studies human cognition under the tutelage of Dr. Holden. Bee has a two-year appointment at The Center for First Year Experience and Learning Communities and is looking forward to playing a meaningful role in the lives of those that will be working with her.   

Krista Palmer, Undergraduate Assistant

Krista is a senior at UC majoring in Mathematics with minors in German and Computer Science. This is her fifth year with the Center for First Year Experience and Learning Communities. Krista enjoyed being in a Learning Community her freshman year. This helped her make lots of friends and become more involved with the university. She was a Peer Leader for seven quarters, where she had the pleasure of serving many freshmen in their transition to university life. She is excited to continue working with the rest of the staff as she serves as an Undergraduate Assistant this year.

Lauren Rhynard, Undergraduate Assistant

Lauren Rhynard is a fourth year Middle Childhood Education major with content areas in Math, Language Arts, and Science. This is her second year with FYE and she absolutely loves it. Lauren was a Peer Leader for an Early Childhood Education LC last year. Being able to be a part of a student's first experiences here at UC has been amazing for her! Lauren also enjoys working for the department as an undergraduate assistant because she gets to be a part of all the action that goes on behind the scenes. She is extremely happy to be working for FYE and has grown from the experience already.

Shae Compton, Peer Leader Captain

Shae is a senior at UC double majoring in Health Sciences and Biology with a minor in Chemistry. This is her fifth year with the Learning Community program. She was in a Learning Community as a freshman, was a peer leader for two years, and is starting her second year as a Peer Leader Captain. Being in a learning community as a freshman was very beneficial to Shae, as it helped her build friendships, study groups, and professional networks that have had a great impact on her throughout her college experience. Shae is very excited to contribute as a Peer Leader Captain and help promote and improve this very important program at UC.

Rachel Fraser, Peer Leader Captain

Rachel is a 4th year in the College of Allied Health working towards a degree in Health Sciences. She was in a Learning Community her freshman year, and was a Peer Leader for two years following. She absolutely loved her Learning Community her freshman year, and is still friends with all of them. She wanted to be a part of the First Year Experience Program because she enjoyed Learning Community that much. Being a Peer Leader has opened up so many opportunities for her, and improved her resources. She is ecstatic to continue with the program this year as a Peer Leader Captain.

Dan Traicoff, Peer Leader Captain

Dan is a fourth year student in the McMicken College of Arts and Sciences, he is studying Political Science. This is Dan's fourth year in the program. He was in a Learning Community his freshmen year, served as a Peer Leader his sophomore year, will be returning as a Senior Peer Leader Captain this year. As a Freshmen, Dan met a strong group of friends through his Learning Community where they developed study habits, interpersonal communication skills, and enriched their UC experience. Because of his Learning Community experience, Dan decided to give back to the program that gave him so much.

Eliza Wilder, Peer Leader Captain

Eliza is a third year chemistry major and French language minor. She was involved in a Learning Community during her freshman year and became a Peer Leader during her second year. She is now a Peer Leader Captain. Eliza’s involvement in her LC was one of the best choices she could have made when she came to UC. It helped her with the transition to the collegiate lifestyle, introduced her to many new students, and has given her countless opportunities she would not have gotten without the involvement in the Learning Communities program. Eliza is very excited to be working with the new and returning Peer Leaders, the entire staff at FYE, and the new Learning Community Students.